Earlier this week, ex-gay activist Matt Moore was busted for having an active profile on Grindr. Days later, Moore sat down with the Christian Post—where he is a contributor—to chat about “his joining Grindr, his daily struggle with same-sex attraction, how the church has treated him, and what God’s grace means to him after this experience.”

While Moore says he can’t blame his actions “on anything but myself,” he’s quick to explain that he recently moved to New Orleans and had no support system to keep his man-loving ways in check: “I got a job here more quickly than I had anticipated, which put me here ahead of the rest of the team,” he explains. “The past few months of being here have been hard and lonely at times. My struggle with sin has intensified since being here.”

Below are some excerpts from the full interview. Gird your loins, folks—it’s not pretty.

CP: The person who outed you, Zinnia Jones, writes on a blog post: “So-called ‘ex-gays’ publicly promote the notion that LGBT people are sinning against a god who will torture them eternally if they fail to suppress and deny their true nature. But privately, they often seem to have trouble practicing what they preach.” How would you respond to her statement?

Moore: First, everyone is a hypocrite, regardless of belief system. People such as Zinnia preach a message of tolerance and kindness to all, yet they are not tolerant of my beliefs and show me no kindness. That’s hypocritical, is it not? With that said, you can either be a hypocrite under the grace of God or a hypocrite outside of the grace of God. As Christians, we acknowledge that we are hypocritical in word and action at times, and we acknowledge that we cannot be perfect. This is why we don’t point to ourselves as models of perfection, but point to Christ as the ONLY perfection. On the Cross, Christ took on our sinful identity, and suffered the penalty we deserved. In turn, He offers his righteous identity to all who believe in Him. So Christians do fail and Christians do sin every single day, but the base of our faith in not ourselves or not ourselves. The base of our faith is Christ and His perfect obedience on our behalf. We are saved not because of anything we have or haven’t done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

CP: If you’re back on Grindr in 2 weeks, what does that say about God?

Moore: Let’s take it a little further. Let’s say that in 2 weeks, I have left the faith and have embraced homosexuality again. What does that say about God? It says that God is gracious, loving, good and forgiving….and that I am rejecting that grace, love, goodness and forgiveness. At the end of the day, God is who He is regardless of who we are and what we do. “Let God be true, and every man a liar.”

CP: What boundaries have you established to prevent giving into temptation?

Moore: I have sold my computer and have had someone put a lock on my phone where I cannot download apps or access the Internet through a non-filtered browser. Ultimately, this isn’t the solution. My heart being captured by the grace of God and brought into humble obedience is the solution. But not taking precautions is dumb, so these are the precautions I have taken.

CP: What would you say to a Christian suffering from same-sex attraction after this experience?

Moore: The same thing I have always said: Jesus is better than sin. It doesn’t matter what the specific sin is, Jesus is better. He is more valuable, comforting and satisfying than homosexual behavior, and I can say that from experience. If you fall, get back up and keep pursuing Him. If Jesus went as far as to die for your sin, why would He not help you up when you stumble? The world will tell you to embrace your homosexual desires because it’ll make you happy in this life. Jesus tells you to deny yourself and follow Him and promises to give you eternal life if you do. You must decide everyday who you will believe and who you will follow: the way of the world or the Way of Jesus Christ.

I feel sorry for him. To be utterly brainwashed into going against what is “natural” for him. Does anyone have an email address etc for this guy? I would actually like to try and reach him. Share a little scripture with him from the bible where two men were married etc.

February 8, 2013 at 1:02pm

redcarpet

Every gay man who runs into this guy needs to try to fuck him. He can’t resist forever.

February 8, 2013 at 1:02pm

RSun

The Real Mike in Asheville

Gigi Gee

I used to feel sorry for Matt. After reading his ridiculous rambling blogs, one of which was entitled, “Leaving Homosexuality: The Real Power Of My Testimony,” I’ve come to conclude that he’s just a mixed up, whiny ass christianist bitch. Instead of accepting things from his past that he feels were mistakes – drinking to the point that he passed out and sleeping with countless nameless, faceless men – and taking ownership, he blames Satan. It’s that easy. Absolve yourself of all responsibly, blame Satan and ask god to forgive you. The fly in the KY is that when no one’s watching (god can’t be everywhere) Matt was back on Grindr faster that you can say fleshjack. The “homosexual lifestyle” that Matt alleges that he left is not the exclusive domain of The Gays. Lots of straight people drink and sleep around as well. The problem is Matt and his addiction to christianist cults.

RSun

Fidelio

RSun

@Gigi Gee: Agreed. No self awareness, no responsibility for his actions and enough self loathing to fill the Grand Canyon. Pathetic.

February 8, 2013 at 1:02pm

Charlie in Charge

I hope he finds his way into a denomination that will accept him for who he is. It would be so much healthier for him.

February 8, 2013 at 1:02pm

The Real Mike in Asheville

@Chad Hunt: Nice thought, and certainly attempting to help someone in need is good too. Alas, this unfortunate young man is truly brainwashed — he scours the bible for his directions but completely misses the obvious: Jesus himself NEVER speaks a single word, at least as evidenced in my King James Bible, for/against/indifferent about same-sex attractions and/or relationships.

Jesus DOES speak, many times and with great passion against adultery and divorce. I suspect that young mister Moore does not hold the three-quarters of all adult Americans who have engaged in sexual relations outside of their [first] marriages as the sinners they are, violators of the Commandment and of Jesus’ own words.

Indeed, per his owns words, Moore is a hypocrite, a big fat anti-Jesus hypocrite.

2eo

There’s no hypocrite like a god hypocrite. Violent, hateful, prone to paedophilia, child abuse, brainwashing and lying in the face of their supposed creator.

Pathetic, every day religion gets another knife in the throat, and I love every single one. Every person who walks away from faith and accepts the world is what we make of it is a win for our species and a victory for our collective future.

We already have the brains and we’re winning over the brawn.

February 8, 2013 at 2:02pm

Stache1

Polaro

Forgiveness is an important part of Christianity,and, for me, being a good person. Matt needs to forgive himself. He also should check out Mathew Vines on YouTube or Facebook for a better idea of what the Bible really says and means about being gay. And, we gay men should cut our brother some slack here. He is one of us, even if he has yet to come to terms with what that means. Growing up in the world he has, with the views he has lived with, it can be very difficult to find a clear path forward. Lets not throw more potholes in his path.

no, we’re not “all hypocrites” – it’s an intellectually-false comparison to say we need to respect and tolerate not only his lies, but his continued promotion of anti-gay bigotry and prejudice.

so, no. us out and proud openly-gay people who work to end a culture of anti-gay bigotry and intolerance are not hypocrites.

chump

February 8, 2013 at 3:02pm

Fidelio

@Polaro: I was a bit harsh. I agree we ought not be mean-spirited. But, you know, sometimes you have to cut your losses. Matt is an adult. And the lives he is potentially affecting are questioning LGBT youth through his ass-backward ministry. I would be happy to show him respect when, at a minimum, he stops being a prick.

February 8, 2013 at 3:02pm

Polaro

I just don’t want to wake up one morning and find this young man has jumped off a bridge or some other useless way out of a life made difficult by anger, hatred or indifference. I sympathize with those of us who are angry at what Matt has said as he struggles with his faith and himself. But, lets be the better men here.

Fidelio

@ngblog: … Thank you for that. I will try to correspond with him so maybe I can reach him.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

BJ McFrisky

Wow. If the above comments are any indication of the kind of “tolerance” Mr. Moore can expect from his fellow gay brothers and sisters, then just imagine what he envisions straight people thinking of him. It’s no wonder he’s so desperately closeted.
Whatever happened to live and let live?

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

Rockery

What do you want people to do cheer him on? THAT would be irresponsible, people getting more spiritual is a good thing, BUT he (as evidenced) will never be happy going down this road, it won’t end well

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

RSun

@BJ McFrisky: Please. Moore hardly adheres to the “live and let live” philosophy in his efforts to demonize the gay population. I am not tolerant of any asshole…gay or straight.

O.K. So i tried to email, Facebook, and tweet him. I hope he responds so maybe i can save him from a life of self hatred that could lead to suicide etc. We should all try to help these people instead of being insulting or bombarding them with hate. When we sink to the level of the haters we just give them further reason to continue to hate.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

samwise343

@BJ McFrisky: BJ, this man, his church, and those who adhere to his philosophy, stand in the way of gay people. They fight against equality for LGBT people, namely the right to marry. Ask THEM if they’re willing to “live and let live”.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

BJ McFrisky

@Rockery:
@RSun:
@samwise343:
Gentlemen, it’s called taking the high road. Showing the world that we’re better than the haters. This guy Moore, he’s done nothing—nothing—to hurt you or me. He’s not fighting us, he’s fighting his own sense of self-worth. He’s going through a period of self-discovery which has been bruised by his religious upbringing, so let us let him do it in his own way. I know I did—as I suspect all of us did, as well.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

Frank646

Hmm, all this article did is turn me on.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

2eo

@BJ McFrisky: Live and let live. You mean like those children you and your friends share pictures of, predatory paedophiles have no say in any issue. You sick fuck.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

samwise343

@BJ McFrisky: BJ, are you aware that there are millions of gay kids out in the world who are teetering on the brink of suicide? Do you really want them listening to Matt Moore’s bullshit delusions about Jesus? I know I don’t.

February 8, 2013 at 4:02pm

Polaro

Wow, @2eo what a nice troll you are. Go crack open a book and expand your pea-sized brain a tad.

February 8, 2013 at 5:02pm

RSun

@samwise343: I totally agree. While the “high road” can make a person feel better about themselves, it doesn’t do much to stop assholes (ignorant OR informed)…it just placates bad behavior.

February 8, 2013 at 5:02pm

BJ McFrisky

@samwise343: No, of course I don’t want gay kids to be influenced my Matt Moore’s religious background, but, by the same token, I don’t want them being influenced by the likes of your ilk, either. Matt’s confused—you’re just intolerant of the fact that someone isn’t embracing his homosexuality with the piss and vigor that you do. Moore will obviously succumb to his desires, eventually.
Like I said, everyone at their own pace. We’ve all been there.

RSun

GreatGatsby2011

“The base of our faith is Christ and His perfect obedience on our behalf.”

Has he even read the New Testament? A lot of words could be used to describe Jesus, but “obedient” wouldn’t be on my top ten list. He thumbed his nose at nearly every one of his father’s precious rules and turned Judaism on its head.

I do feel bad for the guy for all the unnecessary self-loathing and self-inflicted pain though. I may (vehemently) disagree with his message and his beliefs, but I’d still give him a hug if I ever met him just because I don’t like to see people experiencing pain, self-inflicted or no. 🙁

February 8, 2013 at 5:02pm

2eo

@Polaro: You are funnier when you post as Avenger, this change of tack is so by the numbers it isn’t even funny anymore.

February 8, 2013 at 6:02pm

Merv

@The Real Mike in Asheville: There’s no reason to feel sorry for him. He made a choice to be Christian, and like all Christians he hates gay people. The fact that he himself is gay is irrelevant.

February 8, 2013 at 6:02pm

samwise343

@BJ McFrisky: BJ, it sounds to me that you’re willing to bend over and take it when this guy calls us hypocrites. Not me. Me and my “ilk” are better than that.

February 8, 2013 at 6:02pm

samwise343

@Merv: First, not all “christians” hate gay people and second we should all feel sorry for those who have been mentally abused into thinking something is wrong with them. Change will never come if we all return hate with hate. The only way to combat hate is with education and love.

He clings to these religious hypocrites because they seem to be offering him comfort, love, and acceptance. He does not see how it is a fake acceptance or how they are mentally damaging him. I like to compare it to battered wife syndrome or stockholm syndrome.

February 8, 2013 at 6:02pm

Merv

@Chad Hunt: Well, I do hate them back, so pretending otherwise would be dishonest.

If anything, this guy is more culpable than the haters who are straight. They’re ignorant of what it feels like to be gay. He’s not.

February 8, 2013 at 7:02pm

Dez

Firstly, everyone is not a hypocrite- just because you are. It’s like the anti-gay bullies cry about having the tables turned on them when we don’t sit back and take their $hit. It doesn’t work like that! You don’t get to be an a$$hole and then cry when people are a$$holes back to you!!

Secondly….. “He is more valuable, comforting and satisfying than homosexual behavior, and I can say that from experience.” That’s because your experience of homosexual behavior is self-hating and cruising guys on GRINDR!!!! If you allowed yourself to be who you naturally are, accepted that it is NOT a sin to LOVE someone (regardless of gender), believed that Jesus loves you anyway, Prayed to god to send you the right person to love, and found a man that you loved with all your heart, you would see that you can be gay and a christian – And the comfort and satisfaction that comes from having both is immeasurable! I say this from personal glorious experience! Homosexuality, like most things in life, is what you make of it!!

February 8, 2013 at 8:02pm

MK Ultra

We all know this pathetic mess will be seeking gay sex for the rest of his life, just on the DL.

February 8, 2013 at 8:02pm

FStratford

I pity him for his situation. I see no hope. But maybe I am wrong.

I also despise him for the horrible effect his blog, his writings and his TV appearances have contributed to the continued hardships of young gays everywhere. This fake Christians have to be defanged

justin7525

Humanedge

@BJ McFrisky: Its “Live and let live”, not “Live and let others fuck with you for no good reason while letting them off the hook when they turn out to be hypocrites”

Honestly, the guy’s brainwashed into a cult that regularly insults his very being, he’s, perhaps to no real fault of his own, internalized the stupidity and ignorance of others, and he needs real help, but its not like the criticism he’s getting is unjustified.

February 9, 2013 at 3:02am

Brown Gay Al

As someone who is right wing and lives in Orange county, you get to know that all these Christian boys make the best bottoms. They had plenty of practice in church growing up. You just need to tune out the Jesus BS to enjoy that divine ass.

February 9, 2013 at 9:02am

BJ McFrisky

@Humanedge: No need to be nasty, Humane DGE. Take a deep breath and relax. Those who seek an alternative lifestyle are no threat to you or me, he doesn’t pose any threat to my existence or yours, so leave the man the fuck alone.

February 9, 2013 at 9:02am

Aidan8

BJ McFrisky, in solid apologist form, says “we’ve all been there…” Well, sorry BJ, but my journey hasn’t included using a soapbox to heap loads of scorn on LGBT folks. Nor has it included using my energy and effort to convince people they’re evil sinners who will rot in hell, etc. So yeah, the guy is twisting himself in knots of self-loathing and confusion… but at the same time he is actively and publicly working hard to further a message harmful to all LGBT people. We haven’t all “been there.”

February 9, 2013 at 10:02am

RSun

TrekBear

Sure, Jesus is good, but don’t expect a call back after that night in Vegas!

February 9, 2013 at 12:02pm

taoalwyn

Yes we can all be hypocritical; I don’t think God or Jesus’s grace has got anything to do with it. Hypocrisy is an example of being dishonest, I thought christians believed in the TRUTH. His dishonesty as “No. 6 · Gigi Gee” points out is that he doesn’t take responsibility for his actions. Just grow a pair!
Oh and shoot me down… but just maybe we can be the better fellows:
“We forgive him for all his sins against his fellow gay”!

February 9, 2013 at 1:02pm

BJ McFrisky

@Aidan8: Sorry. I didn’t realize that your position as a professional and perpetual Victim was your sole identity. I’ll be sure to take that into consideration in the future.
In the meantime, whaddaya say you give a little slack to those who are just now finding their way. In the long run, it would mean more to them than your hate-speech, I’m sure.

February 9, 2013 at 1:02pm

Stache1

@BJ McFrisky: If he just kept quiet about it then i would agree. However, he poses a real threat by being a paid advocate for anti gay propaganda. He works with people wanting to strip away your rights and make you a second class citizen. He makes a good mascot.

February 9, 2013 at 1:02pm

1EqualityUSA

In 1949, the word, “Homosexual” was added to the list of sins. If anyone asks you to lie about your true selves, run.

February 9, 2013 at 2:02pm

BJ McFrisky

@Stache1: Let’s be serious. He’s no more a threat to gay rights than is OWS. Again: Breathe deep and exhale. Breathe deep and exhale. Keep it up, you’ll get the gist of it eventually.

February 9, 2013 at 2:02pm

mipuppetmaster

What a pathetic story. He was gay, is gay, but wants to throw blame on things that have NOTHING to do with him being queer. You’re QUEER, man. It’s who you are. There is nothing shameful about it. You just haven’t accepted it, yet.

I hate these kind of made-up stories for attention. jeez, what a sad reflection on you. And you want to blame religion. How old are you? Do you ever read books or magazines? Too sad that just retreat to blaming others (your bible, your friends, your past in an organization, literature.

For gawd’s sake, grow up! You’re an adult!

February 9, 2013 at 3:02pm

Aidan8

Guys, you need to go easy on McFrisky. His own parents had him neutered so he wouldn’t be one of those sexually-active homosexuals. He’s a troll, he has no balls, and he sympathizes with this ex-gay coward because they’re pretty much the same person. Only he’s a heck of a lot uglier.

What a loon! We’ll find him next at the nearest rest stop. What will he do then, lock himself in his house and have all of his groceries delivered so that he doesn’t have to leave?

February 9, 2013 at 5:02pm

AtlBuckheadGuy

Oh how I long for days gone by when these self loathers just hung themselves or overdosed on sleeping pills and left the rest of us out of their drama. I know that’s harsh; however deep, most of you agree.

February 9, 2013 at 6:02pm

DJ

He posted a face pic on Grndr.. he’s got more balls than a lot of people… poor sod he seems so frustrated; he needs help.

February 9, 2013 at 7:02pm

stfallon1028

We all make our own hell Matt. I hope you enjoy yours. I do however agree with his quote “everyone is a hypocrite.” To quote Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan, “we are all liars, and I am the biggest liar of them all.”

February 9, 2013 at 7:02pm

justin7525

BJ McFrisky

@Aidan8: Hate speech, hateful rhetoric, whatever you want to call it, it always comes out sounding the same. Nothing new.
@AtlBuckheadGuy: I agree with you regarding people hanging themselves, and hope his family has similar wishes for you regarding death and suffering (I know that sounds harsh, but, like you, that’s how deep I run).
Death . . . as always, the Left’s solution to those with whom you disagree. How progressive!

February 9, 2013 at 11:02pm

tjr101

Ok so let me get this straight (no pun), he is going to troll grindr, suck dick on the DL and then admit he is a hypocrite “like everyone else” and run to jesus for forgiveness every time???

Poor thing, what a hot mess. LOL

February 10, 2013 at 12:02am

the other Greg

Matt must have missed JC’s line about “Lead us not into temptation” – if he really has a bad alcohol problem (as Gigi Gee in #6 says), and is so sure he has a “gay” problem, it’s funny he moved to a gay gomorrah, New Orleans, where the bars are open 24/7.

I have a practical suggestion for him. He should find a sex buddy with long hair and a beard… wearing a robe and sandals… you know, peaceful-looking, about 33 years old? Maybe that would help. They could play-act and his sex buddy could forgive his sins after every occurrence of hot dirty nasty evil gay sex!

Or Matt could go the other way – black-haired dude with wiry muscles and an evil grin, carrying a pitchfork? Hot.

In New Orleans either type should be easy to find. He won’t even need Grindr, he can just go to Phenix or Rawhide.